The End of the Fiscal Year and the Beginning of a New One

Included in this month’s bulletin are the financial reports for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. It has been a unique year financially. The pandemic threw out our budgets. Many regular programs were cancelled, which saved money. However there were a couple weeks during which the collections were slim. Also the virus is continuing to affect fundraising events such as Bingo, the 4th of July Festival, the St. Lawrence Family Fun Festival, and the St. John Homecoming.

One of the items that is pertinent for all our parishes financially is the new financial agreement. Last year pastoral council devised a complex formula to determine how shared expenses are divided between the four parishes (this includes salaries and programs like RCIA, Alpha, etc). The financial agreement takes into account Mass attendance, registered parishioners, and registered CCD students. I am really proud of our Pastoral Council for agreeing on shared expenses and coming up with a sensible plan.

Growing up my mom used to always say that “God has lots of money.” She is absolutely right. Despite the lack of Sunday Mass for two months, your generosity shone through the darkness. Many parishioners pivoted to online giving, for which we are grateful. Included in the bulletin, you will find a brief recap from each parish’s Finance Committee. It includes major projects, expenses, and sources of revenue. If you attended Mass at a different parish this weekend, you should be able to find your report in the back of your church.

Also, earlier in the month Pastoral Council approved some necessary changes to our rental policies at the four parishes. Now all four parishes will be following the best possible practices for hall rentals. This includes the Immaculate Conception Basement, St. John Hall, St. Joseph Parish Life Center and Adult Center, and the St. Lawrence Hall. As you know we rent these facilities to registered parishioners.

We have had some issues with the locations not being left in the best order: areas weren’t cleaned, trash wasn’t taken to the dumpster, and damage to the facility. We will be asking renters to place a $50 deposit on the facility on top of the normal rental fee. If things are cleaned and in order, you will receive the deposit back. If not, we will retain the deposit. We will provide renters with clear expectations related to cleaning up, locking doors, and removing trash.

Renters will also be asked to sign a hold harmless agreement. This removes liability from the parish if something were to happen to the renter or one of their guests. Additionally we are requiring renters to have event liability coverage. This is standard for renting halls for weddings, parties, and receptions. You will simply need to ask your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company to include the parish and the Archdiocese on a single-day liability coverage.

I realize these additional aspects sound cumbersome. In reality, they should involve a couple phone calls and be a swift process. Thank you for understanding. If you have any questions about these matters, please call the parish office and we’ll be happy to help.

Thank you for your continued generosity.
Fr. Sean Wilson